Dog-Friendly Beaches, Restaurants, and Parks in Norfolk

Virginia may be for lovers, but Norfolk is for dog lovers. Offering plenty of opportunities to savor the state’s natural beauty, you and your four-legged pal wont be short of adventures in this Old Dominion city.

Whether you’re looking for a long trail trot, a day in the sand, or just one more bite of your human’s burger, Norfolk is a dog’s dream.

Ocean View Beach

If you’re looking for one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk, Ocean View Beach is your spot.

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While digging, splashing, and relaxing with Fido is expected, there are a couple caveats to this white sand paradise.

During summer busy season, animal access to the beach is restricted from 10am to 6pm. Also, your dog is required to stay on leash at all times. After all, we can’t just allow humans to run around on the beach without canine supervision, can we?

Bea Arthur Dog Park

If you’re looking for something slightly less sandy, check out Bea Arthur Dog Park along Front St. for one of the top dog parks in Norfolk, VA.

The park, named for Golden Girl and animal activist Bea Arthur, offers plenty of toys, shaded areas, and fresh water access for visiting canines.

The best part? The park also has a ramp into the river, giving your dog the opportunity to run, jump, and splash without that pesky leash.Water-loving dogs and their two-legged companions rejoice!

Elizabeth River Trail

For another dog-approved mix of land and sea, check out the Elizabeth River Trail. This gorgeous trail runs nearly 10 miles through Norfolk and offers a host of historical, nautical, and natural wonders for both you and your pooch.

Take in gorgeous views of Norfolk while enjoying a bit of respite from the city traffic with foliage coverage that will keep you coming back for more. Just be sure to check for trail closures and events as this is a popular spot for local happenings.

Chow Restaurant and Bar

Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to get our kibble fix at the top dog-friendly restaurants of Norfolk. There are many eateries around town that welcome pets, but, if you’re a lover of Southern-style cooking, look no further than Chow Restaurant and Bar.

Chow has incredible fried chicken (keep this on the plate because chicken bones and dogs are a no-no), burgers, and mac-n-cheese. The wait staff also practices true Southern hospitality by welcoming all dogs, large and small. Can’t finish those final fries on your plate? We bet you know a dog who can help with that.

So there you have it—Rover’s top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Norfolk. You’ve had a few splashes, a tail-wagging trail walk, and a bellyful of table scraps. We hope it’s left you satisfied. But we also hope you don’t limit your exploring to this list. Norfolk is a town built for dog-lovers. All you have to do is choose your adventure.

On the off chance you find yourself outside of Virginia state lines sans Fido, Rover’s loving dog sitters in Norfolk can’t wait to pour a bowl of sweet tea and welcome your pal into their homes.